FICTION - An appraisal is the estimated amount of money your home may sell for.  The appraiser will come to your house and list the number and size of the rooms and any extras, such as a fireplace, porch, pool, or garage.  The appraiser will compare your home and property to other homes that have sold recently with similar features.  The appraiser then estimates that your home might sell for approximately the same amount of money as similar homes.

During a home inspection, a qualified inspector takes an in-depth and impartial look at the property you plan to buy.  The inspector will review the readily accessible exposed portions of the structure of the home, including the roof, attic, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, basement and foundation, as well as the heating/air conditioning systems, interior plumbing, and electrical systems for potential problems.  Home inspections are not intended to point out every small problem or any latent defect in a home.  Most minor or cosmetic flaws, for example, should be apparent to the buyer without the aid of a professional.